It’s curtains for Freddie Flintoff! Top Gear presenter divides opinion with his floppy hairstyle and 70s-inspired glasses – with one saying he looks ‘like a missing boyband member’
- Top Gear presenter Freddie Flintoff debuted a new look on last night’s episode
- The former cricketer sported 70s-style glasses and a floppy curtains haircut
- The bold look divided opinion, with some saying it was ‘very 90s boyband’
- But others insisted Freddie, 43, still looks ‘sexy’ and ‘makes glasses work’
Top Gear returned to screens last night but it wasn’t the cars that got viewers talking – it was presenter Freddie Flintoff’s new look.
The former England cricketer, 43, sported 70s-style tinted wire frame glasses and a floppy hairstyle as he joined co-hosts Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris for the first episode of the new series.
It marked a dramatic change from his usual tousled hairstyle and proved divisive with viewers.
Retro: Top Gear returned to screens last night but it wasn’t the cars that got viewers talking – it was presenter Freddie Flintoff’s new look (pictured) of curtains and wire frame glasse
Signature look: It marked a dramatic change from his usual tousled hairstyle and longer facial hair. Pictured, Freddie with Jamie Redknapp while filming DNA Journey, their ITV show
Some claimed it looked ‘very 90s boyband’ and ‘a little bit serial killer’.
However others came to Freddie’s defence, saying he still looks ‘seriously sexy’ and ‘makes glasses look hot’.
The presenter showcased his look during the ‘studio’ portion of the episode, which was filmed outside the BBC Television Centre in west London.
The usual studio audience was replaced by production staff members, all socially distanced, as well as residents in flats overlooking the set.
Divisive: The bold new look (pictured) divided opinion, with some viewers claiming it looked ‘very 90s boyband’. However others came to Freddie’s defence, saying he still looks ‘sexy’
Back on screens: The former England cricketer, 43, sported 70s-style tinted wire frame glasses and a floppy hairstyle as he joined co-hosts Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris for the first episode of the new series. Pictured, the segment filmed outside BBC Television Centre
It is thought the segment was filmed last month.
The pandemic means this series of the popular motor show has been filmed in the UK.
The 29th series, which aired late last year, had to be rethought, with the majority of the filming taking place in the UK (one segment had already been filmed in Greece). Bolton, the birthplace of presenter Paddy McGuinness, featured heavily – a turn of events which delighted him.
Mixed reception: Some viewers loved Freddie’s new look… but others were less impressed
This time around, the Top Gear guys have enjoyed even more of a staycation. The entire series – a shorter-than-usual four episodes – has been filmed in the UK, the first time this has happened since the show was rebooted in 2002.
This time they headed to the Scottish Highlands. They also spent a few blustery days in the Lake District.
Last night’s episode showed the presenters trying out the cars their dads’ used to drive, in a surprisingly emotional segment that tugged at viewers’ heartstrings.
Top Gear continues Sunday 21 March at 8pm on BBC1